Tools for evaluating public policies

Open enrolment

Executive Seminar

We are living in the midst of an explosion of knowledge. Decision-makers are swamped with an ever-increasing amount of competing information from studies that aim at providing scientific policy advice. This makes the decision-making processes increasingly challenging.

This course provides an introduction to statistical methods with a particular focus on meta-analysis. Meta-analysis aims to systematically analyse research results from a multitude of studies in order to identify robust insights, sources of disagreement and get a better understanding of the size of study effects of interest. This is crucial for decision-makers in the public and private sector to make informed decisions.

The course aims to equip participants with a basic understanding of statistical tools that can help to improve public policy by making best use of available scientific information. Participants will understand the differences in major conceptualisations of the interface between science and policy and how this relates to the use of scientific information in decision-making processes. They will have an overview of available tools for meta-analysis including how they can be applied to inform more robust decision-making, be able to interpret results and understanding the particular pitfalls of such methods. Knowledge of statistics is NOT a prerequisite for the course.

Not offered in 2018/19. This course can be customised for organisational clients. Learn more.

Debate

Who we are

The Hertie School of Governance in Berlin prepares exceptional students for leadership positions in government, business, and civil society. The school offers master’s programmes, executive education and doctoral programmes, distinguished by interdisciplinary and practice-oriented teaching, as well as outstanding research. Its extensive international network positions it as an ambassador of good governance, characterised by public debate and engagement. The school was founded in 2003 by the Hertie Foundation, which remains its major funder. The Hertie School is accredited by the state and the German Science Council.Understand today. Shape tomorrow.